The Y kicks off annual campaign

The Covington Y has launched its 2013 Annual Giving Campaign themed “Why it Matters,” to raise funds for financial assistance for families looking to participate in The Y’s countless programs.

More than 20 percent of the Y community — children, adults, and families — receive financial assistance, in the form of scholarships, to participate in programs offered by The Y.

Executive Director Louly Hay-Kapp said the goal for this year’s annual campaign is to raise $93,000. She said, so far, $51,000 has already been raised with donations from several local businesses and the Covington United Way Fund.

Hay-Kapp said about 1,267 scholarships give families in need access to Y programs. Anyone who expresses an inability to pay is offered financial assistance.

“The Y is all inclusive and no one is ever turned away because they can’t afford it,” Hay-Kapp said. “We raise funds every year to support that.

“Scholarships provide assistance and help fill the gap.”

Local individuals and companies are welcome to donate to The Y to help fund its financial assistance scholarships. Hay-Kapp said scholarships allow children and families to participate in The Y’s many programs, some of those include its swim programs, which offers swim lessons to participants, and its summer day camps, which Hay-Kapp said are the most requested for financial assistance.

Financial assistance can also be used to participate in The Y’s after school care, teen programs available to middle thorough high school-aged students; and youth sports — including soccer, tee ball, basketball, cheerleading and flag football and academy/select soccer, which is a travel soccer program.

“It’s important that we provide assistance for all of these programs,” Hay-Kapp said. “The Y means a lot to the community. It’s a hub for bringing together all types of people.”

Hay-Kapp added that The Y’s financial assistance is also helpful to seniors who are interested in working out.“If a doctor tells them [seniors] they need exercise, we have an incredible supportive environment,” she said. “We have something for everyone at The Y ages three months to 100. We are family oriented and driven.

“I’m motivated to fundraise because The Y means a lot in strengthening the community,” she said.

Fundraising for The Y’s annual campaign will end on April 30. There will be a celebration recognizing the community’s contributions to the annual campaign in May.

Hay-Kapp also noted that proceeds from the 12th annual Covington Cheerios Challenge 10k/5k Road Race and 1 Mile Fun Run, which will be held on Saturday, April 20, at the Covington Y, will also go towards The Y’s financial assistance program.

The 10K will begin at 7:30 a.m.; the 1 Mile Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. and the 5K will start at 9:30 a.m. Anyone interested in participating in the event should pre-register by April 12 or they can register the day of the event.More information about the race can be found by visiting cvy.ymcaatlanta.org or by calling 770-787-3908. You can donate to The Y by filling out a pledge card at The Y located at 2140 Newton Drive or by visiting cvy.ymcaatlanta.org and clicking on Donate Now.